Week 3 reflection questions

Of the ten principles of Assessment for Learning listed, the one that I feel is most pertinent is: “AFL develops learners’ capacity for self-assessment so that they can become reflective and self- managing.” I believe this because self directed learning is rapidly becoming more common. Instead of teachers pouring out information in lectures and hoping students retain enough to pass a test, self directed learning exemplifies the need for the content to be learned and gives the student opportunities to choose what and how they learn. This paradigm is directly tied to assessment for learning. In that the student now also takes responsibility for assessing their own learning and identifying strengths and areas for continued learning. A different principle: “AFL should be sensitive and constructive because any assessment has an emotional impact”, struck me as somewhat redundant in assessing for learning. Of course, because learning is personal, care must be taken not to discourage the student. Praise as well as constructive criticism must be in balance. However, if the student is now taking responsibility for their own learning and assessing their own weaknesses, sensitivity shouldn't be an issue.
I think the use of portfolio's in assessing student learning is very advantageous. Especially versus tests. Portfolios can not only exhibit a breadth of knowledge, but also depth in specific areas. While tests are created by the educator, a portfolio is created by the student. Giving a test is like saying: "Here, show me what you know." Versus a portfolio is from the students perspective: "Here, this is what I learned." A portfolio can be used for assessment at all levels: student of self, educator of student, and even educator of self. If in general, your students cant exhibit that they learned what you have taught, then as an educator you need to review.
I think that creating a portfolio of my work will give me a deeper understanding of what I have learned and an opportunity to review where my weaknesses fall. As an undergraduate product design major, creating and maintaining a portfolio was critical to our studies. However, back then it seemed our portfolio served as more like a catalogue of our work. We never reviewed our portfolios with the intent of examining what we had learned and what needed more work. With my own students, we develop pseudo portfolios. Very shallow. And I dont feel that the students understand the purpose. Most likely because I did not explain it to them fully. I plan to implement the creation of the digital portfolio at the beginning of the school year. Hopefully, with continual usage we benefit mutually.